Aspen Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

Aspen Hiking and Backpacking Travel Guide

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City lights at night in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, at night (courtesy, Colorado Ski Country)
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Aspen Hiking and Backpacking Travel Tips

By Kim Lipker
  • One of the most scenic trails to traverse is East Maroon Trail into the Maroon Bells Wilderness. There isn't a promotional piece on Aspen that doesn't have the shot of these famous twin towers of purple granite, usually capped with snow. It's only a short hike to Maroon Lake for the classic view of the Maroon Bells appropriately reflected in the lake. Go further to Carter Lake, where several trail choices await. Make a loop back to the trailhead, or continue on the Avalanche Creek Trail, which ends near Redstone.
  • Another great trekking option is to cross East Maroon Pass and spend time on the Crested Butte side of this area. Crested Butte is a beautiful little town, nestled at the base of a ski area with the same name. Stay in town overnight or restock for a longer trip.
  • The Frying Pan Valley, accessed by car from Basalt, provides hikers even more options. Some of the best trails start near Ruedi Reservoir and continue south. You can take a circle hike and end up back at your car. These trails give wonderful views of the Frying Pan Valley below.
  • Consider a reservation for a hut on the 10th Mountain Division circuit. This trail system passes near Aspen and connects dozens of backcountry cabins. Three huts lie near trails on the north side of Aspen, and seven huts lie to the south.
  • Above Redstone, Highway 133 leads to McClure Pass, which is a great entry point to the Raggeds Wilderness, an interesting area full of jagged mountain peaks. More remote means that there are fewer people and that places such as Dark Canyon and Devil's Stairway seemingly exist just for you.

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Hotels

from: $179

Hotel Jerome, A RockResort

330 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611 Map

Distance: 0.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
from: $75

Pokolodi Lodge

25 Daly Lane
Snowmass Village, CO 81615 Map

Distance: 7.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
from: $183

Molly Gibson Lodge

101 West Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611 Map

Distance: 0.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Maroon Bells

expert favorite attraction
Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Maroon Creek Rd.
Aspen, Colorado 81611

Distance: 1.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Together, South and North Maroon Peak form Maroon Bells, or the "Deadly Bells"—consider the... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
5_0

Crater Lake Trail

Good For Hiking and Backpacking
Maroon Creek Road
Aspen, Colorado 81611

Distance: 1.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Highlights: A short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Hot Springs Pool

Good For Hiking and Backpacking
401 N. River Rd
Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Distance: 36.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Named Yampah Springs—meaning "Big Medicine"—by the Utes, this pool was created in 1888... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Aspen

Distance (mi.)
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport 115.8 map
Denver International Airport 122.7 map
Albuquerque International Airport 286.7 map

Other Smaller Airports near Aspen

Distance (mi.)
Eagle/Vail Eagle County Airport 31.0 map
Montrose County Airport 74.7 map
Grand Junction Walker Field 91.3 map

Flight Deals to Aspen

Originating From
Phoenix (PHX) to Colorado Springs (COS) $165
Ontario (ONT) to Colorado Springs (COS) $233
Baltimore (BWI) to Colorado Springs (COS) $242
Chicago (CHI) to Colorado Springs (COS) $381

Trip Ideas

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